Description

Henson Canyon is a beautiful and scenic area in Linville Gorge filled with waterfalls and popular with hikers. There are a handful of developed climbing routes in this area also. The Muppet Wall features short but really steep cragging on good rock, while Master of Puppets offers an adventure climbing experience for the 5.12 trad climber. The shady nature of the canyon and numerous swimming holes make this a good summer diversion if conditions are dry enough. This area is worth the trip to climb in such a cool setting.

Getting There

Henson Canyon trail breaks off of the "Red" trail near 35.936717°, -81.901167°. There are a variety of ways to get to this point. If you are familiar with the gorge, or linvillegorge.net, you will be able to figure it out. There is a giant fallen hemlock near the junction. Follow this trail down a steep section to a fork where pink flagging leads towards the creekbed. Go up here for the Muppet Wall and the scenic Henson Overlook. Go down into the canyon, following the pink flagging, for the Master of Puppets area.